Dinnet Information

The village of Dinnet in the Cairngorms National Park

Backing onto the river Dee and sitting at the base of the Morven and Culblean Hills, the village lies on the main road between Aberdeen and Braemar, not far from Aboyne and Ballater. It is often said to be the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park at the foot of the Highlands. With the coming of the Royal Family to Deeside in the mid-19th century, the small village thrived due to its new connection. The area has its own website www.discoverroyaldeeside.com

Though the railway between Aberdeen and Ballater was closed after a hundred years in 1966, the village is still popular with tourists. Archaeologists in particular can't help but be drawn to the 5000-year-old settlement just outside the village. The area north of Dinnet is also well-known for its abundant wildlife in two nature reserves, and the famous Grampian Transport Museum in Alford.The spectacular Glen Tanar Estate is a must visit when in this area. It has a number of great walks and trout fishing on Glen Tanar Loch.

Loch Kinord Hotel in Dinnet offers classic Scottish culinary dishes, all at a reasonable price. The restaurant and bar are all about making people feel welcome and comfortable. Set in the heart of Royal Deeside in the Cairngorms National Park, the Victoria Restaurant also affords you a warm welcome, good food and relaxing surroundings. You must try the Victoria sponge cake.

An 18-hole par 70 course situated by the River Dee, Ballater Golf Club was founded in 1892. Several holes lie close to the river and many a ball has found a watery grave. Ballater and its golf course lie within a circle of hills with glorious views and offer a delightful golfing experience. Eastward there is Aboyne Golf Course, which provides a fine test of golfers of all abilities. A short drive further east and you'll find Inchmarlo Golf centre with its two stunning courses: the HSBC Regional Course Rankings Silver Award winning Lairds, and the beautiful nine-hole Queens.

East of Dinnet is Aboyne, which hosts an Outdoor Festival each September packed with dozens of events. Head west into Ballater and Braemar for the Balmoral road race in April. July hosts Braemar Gala week, and the annual Victoria week, where you will find something on every day as well as each evening, happens in August.

Situated on low-lying ground, Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve (NNR) consists of extensive Birchwood forests, wetlands and heather moor. In its centre are two large lochs, Davan and Kinord. To the west, you can find the hidden Vat, a spectacular geological feature famed for concealing 18th-century outlaw Gilderoy Macgregor. There is an excellent visitor centre at the Burn O'Vat to help you make the most of your visit.